One of the most common questions we get at Splendid Dental Atascocita is, “What are the best types of toothbrushes to use?” We love this question because it shows you’re serious about taking care of your oral health. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Instead, let Splendid Dental Atascocita break down the pros and cons of the most common types of toothbrushes, and then you can decide the right choice for yourself.
Basic Types of Toothbrushes
We’ll start with the basics. What are the different options to look for when choosing a new toothbrush? The first varieties that usually come to mind are manual and powered (or electric) toothbrushes. With manual toothbrushes, you have to brush the old-fashioned way: by hand. Meanwhile, powered toothbrushes will do some of the work for you.
Which one is the best? The short answer is it depends. In many cases, whether a powered or manual toothbrush is right for you may come down to your own personal preference.
What to Look for in a Manual Toothbrush
There are a few different aspects to consider when choosing any new toothbrush. These include:
- What is the shape of the bristles?
- Are the bristles hard or soft?
- What is the head shape?
- Is the handle comfortable?
In general dental care, you have a lot of flexibility when it comes to bristle shape. It doesn’t matter much whether your bristles are multi-level, rippled, angled, or dome-shaped. However, flat-trimmed bristles are generally less effective than the other kinds listed. What you should be on the lookout for is the firmness of the bristles. While harder bristles are more effective at removing plaque and bits of food from your teeth, they’re also more likely to wear away enamel and irritate the gums. That’s why we recommend using a soft-bristled brush.
A tapered or angled head shape might be best for fitting into the hard-to-reach sides of your mouth. This is especially helpful if you have a smaller mouth. That said, round and squared heads are also effective. As for the handle, you’ll want something ergonomic and comfortable. Otherwise, the handle doesn’t matter when it comes to your oral health.
Finally, be sure you’re choosing a toothbrush that’s the right size for your mouth. An adult-size toothbrush won’t help a child keep their teeth cleaned, and vice versa. It is also important to remember that taking care of your teeth also requires regular dental cleanings to keep your teeth healthy.
What to Look for in an Electric Toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes can help those who have limited dexterity or for younger children who are still learning how to brush. Some people may appreciate the convenience of an electric toothbrush, while others may dislike the need to recharge or change batteries.
When you’re buying a powered toothbrush, you’ll want to consider all the aspects in the manual toothbrush section. You should also be familiar with the following terms:
- Rotating heads: The head spins in one circular direction.
- Oscillating heads: The head rotates in one direction, then it spins in the other direction.
- Dual toothbrushes: These brushes will often have a rotating head, plus a separate side-to-side motion.
- Standard powered brushes: These refer to any basic electronic toothbrushes.
- Ultrasonic and Sonic toothbrushes: These are faster than standard brushes and produce an audible hum, which helps break down plaque.
Get Your Teeth Cleaned at Splendid Dental Atascocita Today
When it comes down to it, the types of toothbrushes you choose are less important than making sure you have a strong oral health routine. Brushing twice a day is only one part of that. You should also make sure you’re having regular checkups and dental cleanings every six months for healthy teeth. Contact Splendid Dental Atascocita at 713-244-7790 to make an appointment today. Splendid Dental Atascocita’s friendly staff will make the process as easy as possible for you.
